Nicholas Oyler – Bikeway & Pedestrian Program Manager

Search

GREEN LANES

What is a Green Lane?

Green lanes are next-generation bikeways being built on streets across the country. Green lanes are dedicated, inviting spaces for people on bikes in the roadway. They are protected from motor vehicles by curbs, planters, posts, or parked cars. They are separated from sidewalks. Some are painted green. The lanes are carefully engineered with rigorous attention to safety, efficiency, and ease of travel for all street users.

A green lane is a name for a growing family of modern bikeways—inspired by decades of experience in European cities and adapted to meet the unique needs of American streets.

Green lanes go by many different names. Sometimes they’re called cycle tracks. Other terms used are protected bike lanes, traffic-separated bike lanes, and buffered bike lanes. There are many variations in design and function, but these facilities share a common purpose—offer convenient, comfortable, and safe places for people from ages 8 to 80 to travel by bike.

A green lane is a visible reminder of a city’s commitment to make its streets safer and more accessible for everyone.

A green lane is a leap forward in bicycle transportation, designed to meet the evolving needs of American cities. Green lanes benefit everyone who uses the streets: people in cars and on foot know where to expect bicycles. More people on bikes eases congestion. When people ride bikes, they are healthier, and they save money.

A green lane network, interconnected with traditional bike lanes and paths, low-speed streets, and other improvements such as bike boxes, bicycle-specific traffic signals, and bike-sharing systems, is integral to a truly multi-modal city where people enjoy a variety of ways to get around. These cities attract the talented residents, innovative businesses, and enthusiastic visitors that support a vibrant economy.

Green lanes are good for streets, good for people, and good for the businesses they neighbor. Check out these key statistics on the benefits of protected green lanes.

Click here for a full list of Green Lane Projects being planned in Memphis!

Click here for educational materials about how to drive near and bike in the Green Lanes!